EP2038189B2 - Method and system for producing a cosmetic item - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for producing a preferably cosmetic item. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for producing preferably cosmetic items, and to a packing unit, in particular a capsule (33), for producing preferably cosmetic items. According to the invention, it is provided that the cosmetic ingredients (12) preferably required for production are available to a final consumer in precisely pre-measured units, in order for the final consumer to produce a domestic quantity of the preferably cosmetic item.

Description

The invention relates to a system for producing a cosmetic article according to the preamble of claim 1.

The cosmetic articles mentioned at the outset, such as creams, lotions or the like, are usually sold to the end user as finished products. They are usually sold through perfumeries, drugstores, department stores or similar sales outlets. In these cases, the cosmetic articles are manufactured in appropriate factories away from the point of sale and the consumer. Since some time elapses between the manufacture and sale of the cosmetic articles, it is customary to add preservatives to the cosmetic articles in order to extend the shelf life. In addition, there are occasional cosmetic articles on the market that do not contain preservatives and have a correspondingly shorter shelf life.

As an alternative to the industrial production of cosmetic articles, there is also the possibility of producing such articles yourself using recipes. The cosmetic ingredients from which the cosmetic article is essentially made can be obtained from special drugstores. The preparation is then based on a recipe on site at the end customer. A disadvantage of this solution is the always necessary dosage of the ingredients.

From the DE 20 2004 011 856 U1 Furthermore, a device for producing a care product is known, in which cosmetic products are kept ready in storage cartridges. If necessary, the products are removed from these supply cartridges in portions by means of a regulating device and mixed in a mixing device. The sees a similar solution DE 41 10 299 C1 in front. A disadvantage of these solutions can be seen in the fact that the cosmetic products are stored in the storage cartridges and thus either contain preservatives or only have a limited shelf life.

It is still known from the U.S. 1,282,485 packaging for cosmetic products. The packaging consists of a lower part which has several trough-like depressions for receiving cosmetic products. These hollows will be closed on the top by a rotatable lid mounted on the lower part. The lid has an opening, the dimensions of which correspond approximately to those of the wells. By turning the lid, the opening can be placed over one of the recesses so that the required product can be removed as required. This solution also has the disadvantage that the ready-to-use cosmetic products that are stored in the troughs either have to contain preservatives or only have a limited shelf life.

From the EP 0 872 430 A1 having a system according to the preamble of claim 1, a thermoplastic container with at least two different products containing chambers is known. A first chamber is articulated at the edge with a second chamber in such a way that the product in the first chamber can be poured into the second chamber by pivoting the first chamber in order to be mixed there manually with the second product.

The EP 0 839 736 A1 discloses a container for mixing two products, at least one product being located in a removable second container arranged inside the first container, so that the products in the first container can be poured together and mixed manually.

The FR 2876356 A relates to a container with two separate chambers for two products to be mixed, with a tubular channel connecting the two chambers as soon as the articulated chambers are folded apart so that the products can be mixed manually.

Proceeding from this, the invention is based on the object of proposing a new system according to claim 1 for the production of cosmetic articles.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by a system with the features of claim 1.

A capsule preferably contains all of the ingredients for manufacturing the article. In this way, the production of the cosmetic article is very simple for the end user.

It is preferably provided that the device has at least one heating and / or cooling device, a homogenizing device and circulation line connecting at least some organs of the device, as well as a corresponding pump.

Further preferred developments of the device can be found in the description and the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von kosmetischen Artikeln aus vorbemessenen kosmetischen Inhaltsstoffen,

Fig.2

eine alternative Vorrichtung zum vorhergehend genannte Zweck in schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines Teils der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 in einem schematischen Schnitt,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung der Herstellung eines kosmetischen Artikels während verschiedener Phasen des Herstellvorgangs,

Fig. 5

eine Verpackungseinheit für vorbemessene kosmetische Inhaltsstoffe in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung der Herstellung eines kosmetischen Artikels mit einer Verpackungseinheit gemäß Fig. 5 während verschiedener Phasen des Herstellvorgangs,

Fig. 7

einen schematischen Vertikalschnitt durch eine Verpackungseinheit gemäß Fig. 5 und 6 sowie

Fig. 8

einen schematischen Horizontalschnitt durch eine Verpackungseinheit gemäß Fig. 5 bis 7.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawing. In this shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a device for the production of cosmetic articles from pre-measured cosmetic ingredients,

Fig. 2

an alternative device for the aforementioned purpose in a schematic representation,

Fig. 3

an enlarged representation of part of the device according to Fig. 1 and 2 in a schematic section,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of the production of a cosmetic article during different phases of the production process,

Fig. 5

a packaging unit for pre-measured cosmetic ingredients in a schematic sectional view,

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of the production of a cosmetic article with a packaging unit according to Fig. 5 during different phases of the manufacturing process,

Fig. 7

a schematic vertical section through a packaging unit according to Figures 5 and 6 such as

Fig. 8

a schematic horizontal section through a packaging unit according to Figures 5 to 7 .

The essence of the invention shown in the figures consists in the fact that cosmetic articles such as creams, lotions, shampoos or the like are produced on site by the end user in small household quantities by means of a special device.

In detail:

The basic idea of the present invention is that the cosmetic ingredients for the production of the cosmetic article are made available to the end user in precisely pre-measured quantities. With the aid of the device described below, the end user can preferably produce a household quantity of the cosmetic article without having to worry about portioning or measuring the cosmetic ingredients.

The cosmetic articles under discussion here can for example consist of a water phase and a fat phase. The water phase is usually heated to a certain temperature and dispersed with the fat phase. If necessary, this process can also be reversed. After mixing the water phase with the fat phase, an emulsion is then produced. There are various options for this, which will be discussed below. After the emulsion has been produced, it is cooled down and other cosmetic ingredients are added. The addition of the further cosmetic ingredients can take place at different temperatures depending on the cosmetic article to be produced.

However, the invention is not restricted to use in the production of articles from emulsions. For example, in the production of gels such as hair gel or shower gel, only a solid phase (powder) is dispersed in a water phase. Such products can also be produced according to the invention.

A special feature here is that the cosmetic ingredients that are required for the production of the cosmetic article are made available in such a way that overall no weighing or measuring of the cosmetic ingredients is required. For this purpose, packaging or sales units in the form of capsules are proposed below, which will be discussed below.

One advantage of the production process described is that no preservatives have to be added due to the production on site at the end customer. In addition, a further advantage is seen in the fact that, together with the special device and the special pre-measured cosmetic ingredients, recipes can also be sold to the end consumer. The number of cosmetic articles that can be manufactured is increased by developing new recipes. In addition to the sale of the device and the cosmetic ingredients, this results in a further source of income.

Another advantage of the invention is seen in the fact that the end user can also directly influence the composition of the cosmetic article to be produced. The end user can therefore adapt the cosmetic article, for example, to personal preferences or personal needs. For example, it is conceivable to produce a skin cream that is adapted to the skin type of the end user or a shampoo that is adapted to the hair type of the end user. It is also conceivable, for example, to individually add fragrances, dyes or other additives, depending on the taste of the end user.

1. 1. (Hochdruck-)Homogenisierung,
2. 2. Homogenisierung nach dem Rotor-/Stator-Prinzip,
3. 3. Homogenisierung nach dem Ultraschall-Prinzip,
4. 4. Homogenisierung durch eine Rührvorrichtung, und
5. 5. herkömmliches Mischen und Rühren.

The production of the emulsion, i.e. the mixing of the water phase with the fat phase, can be done in different ways:

1. 1. (high pressure) homogenization,
2. 2. Homogenization according to the rotor / stator principle,
3. 3. Homogenization according to the ultrasonic principle,
4. 4. Homogenization using a stirrer, and
5. 5. Conventional mixing and stirring.

The basic manufacturing method and thus implicitly also the basic structure of a suitable device emerge from the following description in connection with Fig. 2 . Heated water is fed into a chamber 11 via a supply line 10. The cosmetic ingredients 12 which are required for the production of the cosmetic article are located in the chamber 11. The cosmetic ingredients 12 are heated to a predetermined temperature by the heated water in the chamber 11. The cosmetic ingredients 12 are then mixed with the water. The mixture produced in this way is forwarded by means of a pump 13 via further lines 14 and 15 to a homogenization device 16 in which the emulsion is produced. Of the In the homogenization device 16, the mixture can be conducted back into the chamber 11 via further lines 17, 18, so that the mixture runs through the system cyclically until the desired product quality has been established.

After the desired product quality has been achieved, the cosmetic article can be moved in a circle through the system by means of the pump 13 until the mixture has cooled down. Further ingredients can then be added to the chamber 11.

In order to heat the water, a heating device can be arranged upstream of the supply line 10. In order to be able to control the flow of material in the lines, valves 19 are provided in each of the nodes of the lines. After the cosmetic article has been completed, it is conveyed out via lines 20 and 21.

• Über einen separaten Wassertank 22 wird Wasser über Leitungen 23, 24 einer Heiz- und/oder Kühleinrichtung 25 zugeführt. Von dort gelangt das geheizte oder gekühlte Wasser über eine weitere Leitung 26 zur Kammer 11 in der sich zu Beginn des Herstellungsprozesses die kosmetischen Inhaltsstoffe 12 befinden. Über eine weitere Leitung 27 wird danach eine Homogenisierungseinrichtung 16 an die Kammer 11 angeschlossen. Aus der Homogenisierungseinrichtung 16 kann das Produkt entweder über Zirkulationsleitungen 28 wieder zur Heiz- und/oder Kühleinrichtung 25 zirkuliert werden. Alternativ kann der fertige Artikel über eine Leitung 21 einem Behälter 29 zugeführt werden.

Another alternative device and method are shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown:

• Water is fed to a heating and / or cooling device 25 via lines 23, 24 via a separate water tank 22. From there, the heated or cooled water passes via a further line 26 to the chamber 11 in which the cosmetic ingredients 12 are located at the beginning of the manufacturing process. A homogenization device 16 is then connected to the chamber 11 via a further line 27. From the homogenization device 16, the product can either be circulated back to the heating and / or cooling device 25 via circulation lines 28. Alternatively, the finished article can be fed to a container 29 via a line 21.

Both devices work essentially in unison. With the solution according to Fig. 1 a certain amount of water is first removed from the water tank 22 and initially heated in the device 25 to a temperature sufficient for the manufacture of the cosmetic article. The heated water is then pumped into the chamber 11 and mixed there with the cosmetic ingredients 12. The mixture produced in this way is then processed in the homogenization device 16. This process is repeated until the cosmetic article is finished. The article is then conveyed into the container 29 via the line 21 and can be used by the end user.

Another preferred solution provides that the required water or a corresponding other liquid does not come from a separate water tank, but is already contained in the packaging unit in addition to the other ingredients.

• Sofern der kosmetische Artikel aus mehreren kosmetischen Inhaltsstoffen 12 hergestellt wird, ist es erforderlich, dass diese in der Regel nacheinander miteinander vermischt werden. Dies kann während verschiedener Phasen der Herstellung des kosmetischen Artikels erfolgen. Um derartige kosmetische Artikel möglichst einfach herstellen zu können, wird gemäß Fig. 3 und 4 eine Kammer 11 mit mehreren Aufnahmeräumen für verschiedene kosmetische Inhaltsstoffe 12 vorgeschlagen. Fig. 5 und 7 zeigen eine zusätzliche oder alternative Variante, bei der die verschiedenen kosmetischen Inhaltsstoffe 12 in einer gemeinsamen Verpackungseinheit, nämlich einer Kapsel 33, getrennt voneinander eingeschlossen sind. Mit beiden Lösungen wird gewährleistet, dass die kosmetischen Inhaltsstoffe 12 nach den Anforderungen des Rezepts dem Herstellungsprozess unabhängig voneinander zugeführt werden können. Bei den Inhaltsstoffen handelt es sich dabei vorzugsweise um unvermischte Rohstoffe.

Another special feature of the invention results from the Figures 3 and 4 on the one hand as well as the Figs. 5-7 on the other hand. In detail:

• If the cosmetic article is made from several cosmetic ingredients 12, it is necessary that these are usually mixed with one another one after the other. This can take place during various phases of the manufacture of the cosmetic article. In order to be able to produce such cosmetic articles as simply as possible, according to Figures 3 and 4 a chamber 11 with several receiving spaces for various cosmetic ingredients 12 is proposed. Figures 5 and 7 show an additional or alternative variant in which the various cosmetic ingredients 12 are enclosed separately from one another in a common packaging unit, namely a capsule 33. With both solutions it is ensured that the cosmetic ingredients 12 can be supplied to the manufacturing process independently of one another according to the requirements of the recipe. The ingredients are preferably unmixed raw materials.

With the solution according to Figures 3 and 4 the chamber has three receiving spaces 30, in each of which at least one cosmetic ingredient 12 can be introduced. Each cosmetic ingredient 12 is preferably encased in a packaging unit, for example in a capsule 33 or the like. In this way, the cosmetic ingredient 12 can first be heated by the heated water before it is mixed with this or another mixture. For this purpose, the respective capsule 33 or packaging unit is then opened so that the cosmetic ingredient 12 is released. The blending then takes place. At a later point in time, one or more other capsules 33 can then be opened and mixed with the mixture.

For example, as in Fig. 4 shown, the water phase can be prepared in a first step, namely by mixing the corresponding cosmetic ingredient 12 with a certain amount of water. This process is in Fig. 4 in the left figure indicated by arrow 31. The mixture can then be homogenized and, if necessary, heated by the heating device 25. In order to open the capsule 33 with the cosmetic ingredients 12 for the water phase in the chamber 11, it can be exposed to excess water pressure or opened by mechanical stress, for example by drilling the capsule, melting the capsule or destroying the capsule through a vacuum.

In a second step, the water phase could then be dispersed in the fat phase to produce an emulsion, if this is necessary for the respective article to be produced. For this purpose, the second capsule 33 with the cosmetic ingredients 12 for the fat phase in the chamber 11 would then be opened, like this Fig. 4 is indicated in the right illustration by the arrow 32. The second capsule 33 for the fat phase could be opened in the manner described above, so that the corresponding cosmetic ingredients 12 are added to the water phase. An emulsion could then be produced from this by circulating the two mixed phases in the device. Alternatively, in the case of a capsule that contains all the ingredients in separate receiving spaces, the individual receiving spaces can be opened one after the other so that the ingredients can be mixed in the required order.

The filling of the individual receiving spaces 30 with the capsules 33 containing the cosmetic ingredients 12 can be done by the end user. As an alternative or in addition, the device for production can also be equipped with capsules 33 by the seller when it is first delivered. A magazine for various capsules 33 assigned to the device is also conceivable, whereby a supply of ingredients is kept ready. The selection of the individual capsules 33 can also take place automatically on the basis of a recipe or, if necessary, with appropriate programming of the device, by selecting a specific article to be produced on the device. The advantage of the solution according to the invention is obvious: the end user does not have to weigh or measure the individual cosmetic ingredients individually, but simply put the required capsules 33 into the device and activate them. If the device is programmed accordingly, it can also draw the required amount of water from the water tank 22 or the supply line 10. At the push of a button, the end customer receives a freshly prepared cosmetic article of his choice that does not have to contain any preservatives, as the cosmetic ingredients 12 can be sealed in the capsules 33 for storage and the amount of cosmetic article produced can be used up within a corresponding time.

Preferably, however, only a single capsule is used which contains all the necessary ingredients and which is completely emptied to produce the normal household amount.

Figs. 5-8 show a preferred variant of the chamber 11 with several receiving spaces 30 according to FIG Figures 3 and 4 . In this case, the chamber 11 has only one receiving space 30. In this receiving space 30, the pre-measured cosmetic ingredients 12 are activated separately from one another. In the present case, this is done by supplying the cosmetic ingredients 12 in a common capsule 33 with several receiving spaces 34. The individual receiving spaces 34 are separated from one another, for example by walls of the capsule 33. The capsule 33 is inserted into the chamber 11 of the device and the individual phases released one after the other, as indicated by the arrows 35 and 36 inFig. 6 analogous to the representation in Fig. 5 is shown. In this way, the individual phases can be mixed with one another one after the other, as described above.

In principle, it is of course also conceivable that several of the in Figures 7 and 8 shown capsules 33 in a device according to Fig. 3 can be used in which the chamber 11 has several receiving spaces 30 for one capsule 33 each.

Preferably the in Figures 7 and 8 The capsule 33 shown contains all cosmetic ingredients 12 that are required for the production of the cosmetic article.

1. 1. Erhitzen,
2. 2. Mischen/Homogenisieren,
3. 3. Kühlen,
4. 4. Entladen,
5. 5. Reinigen.

The device for producing the cosmetic article should essentially have the following functions:

1. 1. heating,
2. 2. Mixing / homogenizing,
3. 3. cooling,
4. 4. unloading,
5. 5. Cleaning.

The heating device 25 serves to heat the water and also any additional oil that may be required. Furthermore, the heating device 25 can be used to heat individual intermediate products or mixtures of different phases during the production process in accordance with the recipe.

The individual phases of the cosmetic ingredients 12 must be mixed or homogenized. The same applies to dissolving or emulsifying if necessary. The device can then also have corresponding functions for this purpose. It goes without saying that the device according to the invention does not have to have all functions. For example, individual organs for realizing certain functions can be missing, provided that the respective purpose or the products to be manufactured do not require them. It is of course also conceivable that the device has a certain excess of functionality. Not all functions are then regularly required during the manufacture of the articles. The device then has additional functions with which special products can be manufactured.

With regard to the cooling of the individual phases or mixtures thereof, the cooling device 25 can be used. Alternatively, the material to be cooled or its mixture can be circulated in the device until it cools down by itself.

The cosmetic article can be unloaded directly into a container provided by the end customer. The filling is preferably carried out under excess pressure, for example with a pump or by mechanical means.

To clean the device, special cleaning capsules can be inserted into the device, which allow cleaning or disinfection and / or sterilization of the individual organs of the device.

Another aspect is a special business model. The end customer can or must first acquire a suitable device for manufacturing the cosmetic article. He can further acquire the pre-measured cosmetic ingredients 12 for the production of the articles. The end user can also purchase the required recipes. These articles are preferably sold in the form of complete original equipment as well as replacement and subsequent delivery articles. The end user can be supplied directly from the manufacturer without an intermediary. For example, an online shop in which the customer can buy individual cosmetic ingredients is conceivable can relate. It is also conceivable that the customer selects the article to be manufactured and then a shopping list with the required cosmetic ingredients is generated in the online shop. These are then brought to the end customer for delivery, who can then manufacture the cosmetic item at home.

It is also preferably provided that each customer can "save" their own recipes in the online shop and call them up for reorders. In this way, every customer can create and reorder their own products.

It goes without saying that the device and the capsules described above are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. In this respect, these serve only to explain the invention and are to be understood as non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention.

It goes without saying that other articles can also be produced using the method described and the device described. For example, pharmaceutical articles, foods or the like are conceivable. Of course, other ingredients will then be used and possibly adapted process steps will be required in order to be able to manufacture the respective product. In essence, however, pre-measured units of the ingredients will always be used in other products. The above exemplary embodiments are therefore also valid for the production of alternative articles.

Furthermore, the packaging units can also be reusable. For example, it is conceivable to send it back to the manufacturer or seller for direct replenishment, or as part of a deposit system.

List of reference symbols

10

Supply line

11

chamber

12

cosmetic ingredient

13

pump

14th

management

15th

management

16

Homogenization device

17th

management

18th

management

19th

Valve

20th

management

21st

management

22nd

Water tank

23

management

24

management

25th

Heinz and / or cooling device

26th

management

27

management

28

Circulation line

29

container

30th

Recording room

31

arrow

32

arrow

33

capsule

34

Recording room

35

arrow

36

arrow

Claims (4)

1. A system for producing cosmetic items and at least one packing unit, with the packing unit, in particular a capsule (33), having for the production of cosmetic items an outer wrapping and preferably a plurality of receiving spaces (34) separated from one another by walls of the packing unit, with a pre-measured quantity of at least one cosmetic ingredient (12) being contained in the or each receiving space (34) in order for a final consumer to produce a cosmetic product and with the ingredients (12) contained in the packing unit being measured precisely in order to produce a domestic quantity of a cosmetic product and the pre-measured cosmetic ingredients (12) contained in the at least one packing unit can be mixed in a chamber in order to produce precisely one domestic quantity of the cosmetic item, characterized in that the device has a (mixing) chamber for receiving at least one packing unit.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, with a heating and/or cooling device (25), a homogenizing device (16) and circulation lines connecting at least some elements of the device, and a corresponding pump (13).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a magazine which is assigned to the device and is intended for different capsules 33 is provided, by means of which a stock of ingredients is kept ready, the individual capsules 33 also being selected automatically with reference to a recipe or, if appropriate, with corresponding programming of the device, it being possible to select a certain item to be produced at the device.
4. The system as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one of the capsules contains all ingredients for producing the material, and/or that only a single one of capsules is utilized in the production of a domestic quantity of the cosmetic product, it being possible for said capsule, which contains all necessary ingredients, to be completely emptied for the production of the domestic quantity.

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